A complex condition, PCOS is often described in Chinese medicine as a phlegm or dampness condition. While there are other energetics at play here, the phlegm is of primary concern. The presence of excess moisture, in the form of phlegm or dampness, inhibits the ovary from fully producing and expelling eggs every month. TCM seeks to resolve the phlegm and gently nudge the body back into balance.

Avoid milk and dairy products, which tend to exacerbate the condition of internal dampness.

Eliminate alcohol and caffeine.

Increase your dietary fiber intake.

Get adequate amounts of exercise.

Drink lots of water!!

Lifestyle

Get out into the light — natural light. It can affect the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and thus affect ovulation. Northrup suggests sleeping with the light on 3 days each month (p.137) and consider getting full spectrum lights in your home, especially during the fall and winter months.

We may suggest performing abdominal self-massage daily, as it can increase the blood flow to your ovaries, and therefore increase their productivity.

Chinese Herbs

Chinese herbs will be prescribed if we determine it is appropriate for your situation. As in the case of acupuncture, Chinese Herbs can dissolve the phlegm or drain the dampness and normalize hormonal imbalances.

Other considerations

Stresses have been associated with functional amenorrhea (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovary axis), which a symptom of PCOS. Stress and anxiety have been found to suppress ovarian and menstrual cycle.

PCOS has a negative impact on psychological wellbeing, even when compared with other serious health conditions like asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, back pain, arthritis and coronary heart disease. (Coffrey S at el Gynecol Endocrinol 2006 Feb 22).